From Classmates to Co-Founders: The Power of the KIS Network

For Joy Morshed ’99, entrepreneurship has always been about vision, independence, sacrifice, and the willingness to challenge convention.

After graduating from Kodai in 1999, Joy spent a year in Dhaka, Bangladesh, before moving to Canada in September 2000 to study at the University of Guelph. There, he pursued a Bachelor of Science (honours) in Molecular Biology and Genetics, beginning a path that would eventually lead him into the global food industry.

What followed was nearly two decades of rapid professional growth Commercialising for the Largest Retail Consumer Packaged Goods (Retail CPG) and Food Service Brands while based in Toronto, at Dare Foods (Breton, Bear Paws, Kelloggs, Trader Joe’s), PepsiCo/Frito Lay (Lays, Doritos, Smartfood innovation), Puratos ($7B baked goods supplier), High Liner Foods (frozen value added seafood), and Restaurant Brands International (Tim Hortons Canada). Working within multinational companies in the food industry, Joy developed expertise in Food Service operations and menu build commercialisation, food product manufacturing, food science and formulation expertise, product development, consumer sensory research and the complex systems that connect food manufacturers to global markets end clients. The industry offered vast opportunity and a dynamic, ever-evolving landscape.

From science to entrepreneurship

Joy began his career in the Food Industry in January 2007 and quickly found himself drawn not only to the science behind food, but also to the business systems that bring packaged foods from manufacturers to Consumers and restaurant Guests.

His educational background in molecular biology and genetics trained him to think analytically and approach complex problems with discipline, skills that translated seamlessly into the corporate world. Studying such an intense scientific field helped him develop the focus and perseverance needed to navigate demanding professional environments.

Over the years, he worked across multiple roles within the industry, building deep knowledge of upscaling formulations, food manufacturing and processing, costing, manufacturing efficiencies, supply chain, product and process innovation, and large-scale corporate operations. A gradual build-up of the need to escape the corporate rat race eventually gave him the inevitable next step to build his own business from the ground up.

Launching a Global Food Business

In June 2025, during a challenging global economic climate, Joy founded his own company, a strategic consultative sales firm that connects North American and International Food Manufacturers with large-scale end clients across the world.

TCF (Tiger Cafe Foods Inc.) is working with a global network of well-established GFSI-certified Food Manufacturers with manufacturing facilities located in Canada, the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, to Sell their existing/custom food products and raw materials in to multi-unit (totalling over 50,000 restaurant locations) multi-national Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), Fast-Casual Sit-down dine-in Restaurants (FSR), and in to Industrial Manufacturers. TCF is actively developing a portfolio of unique Retail items to be sold into all major Airlines across North America and APAC. Some of the top clients are Starbucks, Restaurant Brands International (Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons, and Firehouse Subs), Panera Bread, McDonalds, Cracker Barrel Restaurants, Boston Pizza, Red Lobster, Osmow’s Shawarma, and Recipe Unlimited Group.

The venture is still a startup with a solid foundation built for a aggressive growth trajectory. Within its first few months, the company has already created employment opportunities and is planning to expand over the next twelve months.

Joy’s vision is to change the global food industry for several decades to follow.

Building a company with KIS alumni

One aspect of this venture has been the support Joy sought from the start from fellow Kodai alumni.

After founding the company independently, he sought counsel from several Kodai graduates from the 98-99 days. Each alumnus was selected for their expertise and ability to contribute to specific aspects of the company’s growth. Together, they form a team built on both professional capability and a shared Kodai foundation of trust and familiarity.

Beyond the business, the alumni network has also come together in meaningful ways through service. Four alumni are now actively advising the TCF team.

A mindset shaped by independence

Joy has always been comfortable questioning rules and thinking independently, a mindset that has shaped his career from the beginning.

For him, innovation comes from refusing to accept limitations and instead imagining what might be possible without them. This perspective has guided both his corporate career and his entrepreneurial journey, reinforcing a belief in building without constraints.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

For younger alumni interested in entrepreneurship, Joy believes the most important qualities are confidence, discipline, and the courage to pursue a vision even when others may not fully understand it.

Building a company requires resilience, constant learning, and the ability to continue improving day after day. The process of creating something from the ground up is both demanding and deeply rewarding.

Looking ahead

The company is still in its early stages, but Joy’s ambitions are clear. With a rapidly expanding network of food manufacturers and multinational clients, he is focused on scaling the business globally in the coming years.

His goal is to build a company that will reshape how food manufacturers connect with global markets with the support of his fellow KIS brothers and sisters.

To find Joy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joymorshed/

To read more about Tiger Cafe Foods - https://tigercafe.ca/